9 things to do near Bradenton this weekend: Car, antiques, art shows plus reggae fest

Another February weekend is almost here — and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy it. Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to good times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Feb. 25-27, 2022.

Car show and family fun in Palmetto

Rescheduled due to inclement weather, a free event will bring classic automobiles and family fun to Sutton Park in Palmetto this weekend.

Bandit Movie Cars, a Palmetto company that rebuilds and reproduces cars from Hollywood movies and collaborated closely with Burt Reynolds, will be there.

Other attractions include live music, a DJ, food vendors, raffle prizes and a drawing, a bounce house and axe throwing.

The car show, now in its seventh year, is hosted by the Tanya Clavey Memorial Foundation and raises scholarship funds for Manatee County students pursuing careers in law enforcement.

• Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto.
• Info: tanyaclaveyfoundation.org/carshow.

Circus Sarasota

The Circus Art Conservatory’s annual spectacular continues in Sarasota this weekend with a lineup that promises major thrills.

The three-week-long showcase will be headlined by Bello Nock; the famous stunt artist, clown and Sarasota native is known for his world record-setting tightrope skills, daredevil acts and appearances on “America’s Got Talent.” Nock will be joined by his youngest daughter Annaliese Nock, a world record-holding daredevil artist in her own right.

Other entertainers in this year’s event hail from countries and circuses around the U.S. and the world, and they include: a hand-balancing act; a slack wire artist; a speed juggler; a trapeze artist; a horse-riding act; and a troupe of trick-performing rescue dogs.

• Details: Feb. 11-March 6. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. $20-$60. Children under two: free.
• Info: circusarts.org

Antique Show

An antique show hosted by Allman Promotions will showcase 50 regional and national exhibitors at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium this weekend.

Seller specialties will include a wide variety of European, Asian and American antiques, art, jewelry, lighting and instruments.

• Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $8 admission is good for both days.
• Info: allmanpromotions.com/sarasota-fl-antiques-show

Sarasota Winter Arts and Crafts show

Over 70 artisans will show and sell their work this weekend at the Sarasota Winter Arts and Crafts show at J.D. Hamel Park in downtown Sarasota.

Categories include painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media and woodworking.

“Explore a diversity of styles, techniques and materials guided by the unique and compelling visions of each artisan,” and event preview says. “Discuss with the artists how they create and become inspired.”

• Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota. Free admission.
  
  
• Info: paragonartevents.com

Reggae block party

The Gator Club and local reggae band Jah Movement will host the 6th annual Osfest this Saturday in downtown Sarasota.

The reggae block party, featuring live entertainment and family fun, is held each year in remembrance of Oswald “Ham” Caines, a local reggae musician who died in a car crash in 2017.

Visitors can enjoy all-day live reggae and Soca music, live DJs, food, drinks, kids activities and raffles. A portion of tickets sales will benefit Queens of Domestic Violence Awareness.

• Details: 4 p.m.-midnight Saturday. Main Street and Lemon Avenue, downtown Sarasota. Ages 9 and under: free. Ages 10 and up: $20-$30 advance; $35 at the gate.
• Info: jahmovement.com/osfestreggaeblockparty

Live blues and brunch

Good food and good tunes are in store on Sunday at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille on the Bradenton Riverwalk.

The Bradenton Blues Brunch will feature a live performance from a local blues act and a chef-crafted menu of brunch delights, as well as Bloody Marys and bottomless mimosas.

This month’s talent is Big D & the Dirty Deal, a Bradenton band offering “hard driving blues with finesse.”

The event is a partnership between the restaurant, Realize Bradenton and the Bradenton Blues Fest.

• Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille, Downtown Bradenton, 101 Riverfront Blvd. # 120, Bradenton. Reservations recommended.
• Info: 941-896-9660. mattisons.com

Watercolors on display at ArtCenter Manatee

Two new exhibits at ArtCenter Manatee feature colorful watercolor paintings from around Florida and the world.

The American Watercolor Society’s 154th annual International Traveling Exhibit includes the work of 40 artists, narrowed from a pool of more than 1,200 global entrants. ArtCenter Manatee is one of only three galleries in the nation and the only in Florida to host the exhibit this year. Entry to the exhibit is $5.

Also opening this weekend is the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society’s annual show. The display includes local and regional artists painting a delightfully wide variety of subject matter.

A free opening reception for both shows will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday.

• Details: Exhibits on display through March 18. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Fri. and Sat.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue., Wed. and Thurs. ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. ArtCenter Manatee entry free; $5 to see AWS International Traveling Exhibit.
  
  
• Info: artcentermanatee.org

Farmers’ markets

Downtown Bradenton Public Market: Formerly the Bradenton Farmers Market, this weekly community gathering is back on Saturdays with a fresh name. But you’ll still find a bounty of produce, food, handcrafted goods, arts, music, cooking demonstrations and more along Old Main Street. The market offers more than 40 vendors.

• Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct.-May. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.
• Info: realizebradenton.com/public-market

The Beach Market at Coquina Beach offers fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry and apparel, health and beauty items, music and more on Anna Maria Island. The market will be held on Wednesdays and Sundays December through March.

• Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach. Free.
• Info: facebook.com/BeachMarketAtCoquinaBeach

The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch boasts more than 90 regional vendors. Offerings include produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods and breads, crafts, jewelry, plants and pet treats. Live music from a rotation of local musicians and yoga sessions are another regular feature at the market.

• Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch. Free.
• Info: mylwr.com/185/Farmers-Market-at-LWR

Oneco Farmers Market is open seven days a week. The permanent market boasts more than 100 vendors in one location, including meats and seafood, fresh produce, sweets and treats. There are also restaurants and arts and crafts vendors to check out, and the market frequently hosts free community events.

• Details: Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Oneco Farmers Market, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton.
• Info: onecofarmersmarket.com

Sarasota Farmers Market brings vendors selling arts and crafts, goods and services, produce, food, plants and more to downtown Sarasota. There’s also live music to enjoy.

• Details: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Lemon Avenue and Main Street, downtown Sarasota.
• Info: sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Newtown Sarasota Farmers Market offers local produce, fresh-baked goods and other items twice a week in the Newtown neighborhood. The market also hosts community gatherings including events for kids and food festivals.

• Details: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Friday and Saturday. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota.
• Info: newtownfarmersmarketsrq.org

Red Barn Flea Market combines the best of a farmers market, a flea market and a food court in one stop. At Red Barn, you’ll find permanent storefronts, vendor booths, fresh produce, local food offerings, live entertainment and more.

• Details: Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 1707 First St. E., Bradenton.
• Info: redbarnfleamarket.com.

See a movie

Ruskin Family Drive-In: In operation since 1952, this drive-in plays classic flicks, family favorites and new movies with showings Wed.-Sun.

There are two options for audio: bring a portable radio or leave your car radio turned on during the film. You can also bring folding chairs to set up outside of the vehicle (bug repellent is recommended if you go this route).

▪ Addams Family 2 (PG): 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ Dog (PG): 9 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

• Details: 5011 U.S. 41 N., Ruskin. Ages 9 and up: $6. Ages 5-8: $1. Cash only. $5 fee for bringing your own food. Alcohol not permitted.
• Info: ruskinfamilydrivein.com

Sarasota Film Society: Sarasota Film Society’s Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota theaters are a great place to catch a weekend flick. Screenings include independent and art films as well as blockbusters. Check the society’s website for the current lineup of movies. Masks are recommended for unvaccinated guests.

Many of the society’s movie offerings can be streamed virtually from home.

• Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive 8, Sarasota and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Online streaming available any time.
• Info: filmsociety.org or 941-955-3456

Other Bradenton area movie theaters:

• AMC Bradenton 20, 2507 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. amctheatres.com. 941-752-3796

• AMC Sarasota 12, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. amctheatres.com. 941-922-4900

• CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail #1100, Sarasota. cmxcinemas.com. 941-361-2456

• Regal Oakmont, 4801 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342

• Regal Hollywood, 1993 Main St., Sarasota. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342

This story was originally published February 24, 2022 at 5:40 AM.